The EU and the US concerned following reports that Italy is close to signing up to China’s Belt and Road initiative

The European Commission stressed the need for EU States to stay united following reports that Italy is close to signing up to China’s huge Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.

A similar appeal was made by the United States directed to the Rome government. The United States is reportedly concerned about Italy’s involvement in the initiative

If Italy does sign-up, it will be the first G7 country to do so.

The initiative features a series of Beijing-funded major port, rail and road projects to better connect China to Europe, Africa and Asia for a modern version of the fabled Silk Road.

In a reaction to the above appeals, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said that Italy knows where its interests are and it can conduct independent policies”.

Industry Ministry Undersecretary Michele Geraci said that it was not certain that Italy would sign up to the initiative, adding that he had no news of the US being irritated with Italy over this issue.

Via La Repubblica